Thermaltake announces Core P3 open-frame chassis

Thermaltake has announced a new entry in its open-frame Core P family, the smaller and cheaper Core P3, offering horizontal, vertical, or wall-mounted orientation options.

Thermaltake's original Core P5 launched in October last year, and we noted at the time that its size was a potential negative - suggesting that 'we'd be very interested in smaller versions of the Core P5 for micro-ATX and mini-ITX systems too,' a cry to which Thermaltake appears to have listened closely. The result: the Core P3, a smaller - though still ATX-compatible - variant of the Core P5.

Like its predecessor, the Core P3 is based on an open-frame design with a clear side panel to protect the components. Available in black or white finishes, the steel chassis supports ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards, two 3.5in or three 2.5in externally-accessible drive bays along with a further two 3.5in/2.5in bays internally, eight expansion slots, and three 120mm or 140mm fans on the left side. For water-cooling use, the fan mounts will also accept a single 360mm or 420mm radiator.

According to Thermaltake's own measurements, the chassis supports graphics cards up to 450mm in length dropping to 280mm if a reservoir and radiator are fitted, 180mm-high CPU coolers, and power supplies up to 200mm in length. Measuring 512mm x 333mm x 470mm, the case is around a fifth the size of the original Core P5, and includes two USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, and analogue audio connectivity on the IO panel.

More information on the Core P3 is available from the official product page, with UK pricing confirmed at £85 ahead of an August release.